horse around new mexico september/october 2015

New Mexico

FREE

Special Trail Riding Issue - Readers' Favorites

PLUS:Gimme Shelter Winner

Back Country Horsemen Report

Geared Up -- Our Riders' Favorites

Train on the Trail --

Here's Where &

What For

September/October 2015

Ideas From All Over

New Mexico

Exercises forMore Comfortin the Saddle

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Horse Around New Mexico©2015 All rights reserved. Horse Around New Mexico is a publication of Horse Around USA™. Horsearoundnm.com™ and horsearoundusa.com™ are also copyrighted, trademarked, and the sole property of Karen Lehmann,. All rights reserved. Individual content copyright belongs to the author or artist. All the opinions expressed herein are the sole opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect bias or belief on the part of the editor, publisher, distributors, printer, advertisers or other contributors.

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21

10 Get Comfy in Your Saddle How to do a quick "Body Scan"

12 5 Fab Fall Rides Cool and colorful New Mexico destinations

14 30 Mile Gila Wilderness Ride Fast and spectacular

16 Northern New Mexico Preserves Remote and worth the drive

19 Grindstone Lake Scenic loop near Ruidoso

20 Valles Caldera Two special days of riding in September

21 On-the-Trail Training Real-life training at these locations

24 Great Gear for Trails Looking good and being prepared

26 Tried & True Tack & Tips From Horse Around readers

30 Papers, Please Be travel ready with IDs and documentation

6,8 NM Horse News

28 Events Calendar September & October

29 Your Clinic Story Extreme Trail Riding

34 Directory Trainers, Clubs and Associations

PLUS:

ARTICLES:

Submissions from all around NM are welcome!See our website for submission standards: www.horsearoundnm.com

Look at the cover, and imagine you and your horse there! This is what the Sept/Oct issue of Horse Around New Mexico is all about -- it is meant to give you information and inspiration to get out and enjoy this amazing state of New Mexico.

Every time I ride, I think how lucky we are here in New Mexico. We have the 9th largest percentage (47%) of public land of any state in the nation. Many places in NM have over 250 days with sun each year. Our state's history was born of Native people, Hispanics, ranchers, and cowboys and cowgirls -- moving cattle, hunting with horses, and riding for fun. Because of that history, when you ride your horse here, you are often greeted with smiles and the click of a camera. We are part of the colorful New Mexico landscape.

And how lucky we are to have intrepid cowgirls living in and visiting this state. In the past few months, I have met a few who have blown me away with their courage:

Cowgirl hats off to Samantha Phillips, a wrangler at the Quinlan Ranch who, at age 17, set off to ride her horse from Wisconsin to New Mexico. In the middle of the trip, she realized she had to travel home to get her GED. Now at age 22, she is living life fully, riding her Quarter Horse on the ranch near Chama, wrangling, living her authentic cowgirl life.

Cowgirl hats off to June, who kept her wits when her husband was driving their fully-loaded living quarters horse trailer on the final curves to the Gila Wilderness and had a stroke. The stroke caused her husband to pass out and push his gas-pedal foot to the floor. June climbed over the console, got his foot off the gas and stopped the rig. All are well.

Cowgirl hats off to our own Horse Around writer, Peggy Conger, who, when a horse was stuck up to its belly in a bog, kept calm and cool, gave the horse owner direction to keep him from panicking, and dug the horse out with her hands. Afterwards, she had mud splattered on her face, and looked happy as we rode back to camp.

You all inspire me.

See you on the trail!

-Cecilia & Consuelo

Editor

Publisher

Cover Image

Contributing Writers & Photographers

Staff Writers &Photographers

Graphic Design/Layout

Advertising & Sales

CECILIA [email protected]

HORSE AROUND USA

LISA PIASECKI

EVALYN BEMIS STACIE BOSWELLSUSIE MORGANSUE MURPHYLISA PIASECKISUSAN SMITHSUSIE SPICERLINDA STRONGEDWIN TAFOYANICHOLE TUCKERANNETTE WOOD

VIKKI CHAVEZPEGGY CONGERKAREN LEHMANNOZANA STURGEON

MARIE ANTHONY

DENNIS [email protected]

$24/YR MAIL REQUEST TO:HANM * PO BOX 202*SANDIA PARK * NM 87047OR PURCHASE ONLINE AT:

ON THE COVER

Riding group crossing the Rio Chama in the Sargent’s Wildlife Preserve near the entrance to the wildlife area. Sargent’s is one

of several wildlife areas managed by New Mexico Game and Fish that allow horseback riding. The group was led by, and many of the

horses were provided by, Jeff Kennedy and Bri Cimino.

See story, page 16.

PHOTO BY: Lisa Piasecki

www.horsearoundnm.com

Annual Celebrate a VETERAN Competitive Trail/Obstacle Challenge

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Camping and portable stalls available

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Just 5 Miles north of Bernalillo

Pre-register by Nov 4 @ www.lovingthunder.com

505-554-9493

Copper Penny Ranch & Feed Alamogordo Dan's Boots & Saddles Albuquerque Double D Feed Artesia Old Mill Farm & Ranch Belen Lincoln County Mercantile Capitan Circle S Feed Store Carlsbad Big R of Farmington Farmington Hungry Critters Feed and Supply Hobbs Horse N Hound Feed and Supply Las Cruces Big R of Las Vegas Las Vegas Millers Feed & Supply Los Ranchos Cowboy's Corner Feed and Supply Lovington Creighton's Town & Country Portales Roswell Livestock & Farm Supply Roswell Harvey's Feed and Supply Ruidoso Downs H & S Feed Silver City

Horsin Around Feed & Tack Truth or Conse-quences

Dickinson Implement Co. Tucumcari

The Santa Fe Summer Series of horse shows put on by Hipico Santa Fe concluded on August 9 to rave reviews. People said things like “amazing footing”, “super-fun variety of classes, including the ones for young horses, and for Thoroughbreds entering a second career after racing”, “loved all the special ways we were made to feel welcome and appreciated”, and “We’ll be back!!”

Prize money was substantial in several of the top classes, culminating with the $40,000 Charity Grand Prix de Santa Fe. Canadian John Pearce won that class on his beloved 19-year-old veteran Chianto, but it was the under-twenty set that really impressed with their cool-as-cucumber nerves, classic riding positions, and effective horsemanship skills. Plus they demonstrated that riding attire no longer has to be the same-old, same-old – we saw vivid colors, sparkles on pockets and collars, snazzy belts and air-streamed helmets. Spectators got to enjoy all this from free ringside bleachers or from within the VIP tent, sipping champagne while cheering their favorites. Mark your calendar for July and August next year when the Summer Series returns to Santa Fe.

Photo: Young Carli Kirsch enjoyed a superb round on Casco while making it look easy in the $40,000 Charity Grand Prix de Santa FeMore Photos: www.evalynbemisphotgraphy.com.

| Sept/.Oct. 20156 | www.horsearoundnm.com

Mortenson Takes Home Gimme Shelter Event PrizeCongratulations to the winner of the second annual Gimme Shelter Trainers' Rally for Rescues event, put on by The Horse Shelter and held at the Santa Fe Rodeo Grounds on July 18. Clint Mortenson aboard a 3-year-old gelding, Dreamer, won the competition in a spectacular show of roping, polo, shooting, and waving a massive US flag. Special mention goes to Clint's son, Wyatt, aboard his pony, Donut, who were part of the grand spectacle. Congratulations also goes to second place winner Loal Tucker riding Tom Thunder, and third place winner Michelle DeCanditis aboard James. The annual event shows that horse rescues can make reliable mounts for many disciplines. It demonstrates the expertise of nine top New Mexico horse trainers. Prior to the trainers competition, a few adopted horses demonstrated their skills in western, dressage, and jumping. After the trainers competion, the horses were auctioned. The top dollar horse was Dreamer who went for $5,000.

Horse News Around New Mexico

Hipico Santa Fe'sFirst Summer Series

Sept./Oct. 2015 7 www.horsearoundnm.com |


Horse News Around New Mexico

Back Country Horsemen, Pecos Chapter, Cleared Trails in Manzanos and Pecos If you have ever ridden the trails of the Manzano Mountains and wondered who it was that cut all those fire-damaged and wind-felled logs out of your way, well I’ll let you in on a little secret -- it was trail riders like you. They are members of Back Country Horseman of America (BCH), Pecos Chapter. This group is the primary volunteer group doing trail maintenance in the Manzano Mountains and other areas. So far this season they have removed over 100 logs that were blocking trails such as Ox Box Canyon, Albuquerque Trail, Red Canyon, 4th of July Trail and others that crisscross the range overlooking the Estancia Basin and Los Lunas. The views from these trails are truly breath taking. With the help of BCH, these trails are open for trail riders, hunters, back packers and hikers to enjoy.

BCH is made up of members with all sorts of horseback riding backgrounds -- national champions, back yard horse keepers, professional trainers and beginners -- all looking to gain more trail experience while lending a hand. Their mounts are as varied as well -- Mustangs, Quarter Horses, Fjords, Spotted Saddle Horses, Paint horses, grade horses, Appaloosas, Icelandic, Donkeys and, of course, Mules.

The BCH - Pecos Chapter (as they like to be called) meets once a month throughout the year to plan and execute trail projects. They volunteer both in the Manzanos and Pecos Wilderness area in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. In the Pecos, they have helped pack in salt for the Forest Service for the Big Horn Sheep, done trail maintenance including work out of Jack’s Creek Trail Head and worked on bridge maintenance on the trail to Iron Gate Campground.

Members are dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of back country access. By combining their efforts with the Forest Service and other volunteers, they are able to assist with trail projects that would take several years to complete or may have never been completed due to remoteness, and need for non-motorized tools. By using pack animals to carry large saws, axes, shovels and other hand tools, they are able to complete work in a timely manner and also enjoy being in the wilderness with their animals.

If you’re ever in the mountains and come across a pretty raucous bunch sporting teal BCH shirts and a couple of pack animals in tow, ask them where they are headed and what they are up to. They’ll be more than happy to give you information about trail conditions, weather and anything else you would like to know. And, you might even tip your cowgirl hat and say thanks.

For more information about BCH New Mexico Pecos Chapter go to their website http://pecos.bchnm.org. New members are welcome!

by Nichole Tucker

Avoid Strikes from Lightning Getting caught in a lightning storm on the top of a mesa is every New Mexican horseman’s nightmare. Here are tips from the Back Country Horsemen of Santa Fe:

• Get off the mesa if you have time.

• Avoid a tree that has been struck before. If a tree was struck before, it is more likely be struck again.

• Avoid a tree that may have shallow roots. Lightning will travel out through the roots so the ground will be affected.

• Avoid metal fences, utility poles, and streams or other bodies of water.

• Look for a stand of trees. Lightning will travel to a single tree rather than one in a large group of trees, so avoid a single tree.

• Stay as low in the terrain as possible; do not climb to the top of a hill.

• Once you have reached a "safer" place, get off your horse. Know that a shod horse increases the chances of being struck.

• If possible, tie the horse to a bush instead of a tree and move away from it, staying away from boulders.

• Remove metal, like belt buckles, from your body. Squat (do not lay flat) on your haunches with your head between your knees.

• If you’re with a group of riders, spread out from each other to limit the risk of others being injured because lightning can jump from one horse to another.

• The National Weather Service recommends remaining in a safer place for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.

July and August have the most lightning strike events in New Mexico. In September, the events drop by two thirds.


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Call 4 Winds Equestrian Center at 505-384-1831Email us at [email protected]

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INTRODUCING: LEASE ‘N LEARN WITH HORSESAT 4 WINDS EQUESTRIAN CENTER

Upcoming Sept/Oct Clinics:Sept. 5th, Larry Smyth -De-spooking clinic-Beginner horse & advanced

Sept 12, Kerry Picken - Pilates & The Perfect Riding Seat

Sept 19-21, Lee Smith - Horsemanship Clinic

Sept 26-27, Manuel Trigo - Working Equitation

Oct 3-4, Beth Beymer -Private lessons for All Disciplines & Driving

Oct 24-25, Jack Brainard - Legendary Horseman & Cowboy Dressage

Oct 31 - Nov 1, Stacey Couch - Advanced Shamanic Journey

Just North of Chama

• Horseback riding on 17,000

private acres • Beautiful lodge & rooms• Camping with hookups• Corrals with shelter• Guided rides

www.quinlanranch.com 575-209-1618


Trail riding usually requires riding for at least a couple of hours and negotiating different terrain that may challenge the body. Although trail riders are pretty intrepid, we still suffer some aches and pains from time to time. Most riders report one or more of the following: hip and lower back, shoulder, neck, ankle and/or knee pain.

Horseback riding can often help with pain, particularly in the hips, as the legs are draped on either side of the horse, giving some release to the hip sockets not found in other postures. Sometimes more tension is created in riding, especially between the shoulder blades, neck and feet.

The following are some simple body sense tips that can be used for both riders who simply get stiff or tired on the trail and those coming back from injury or surgery. They can be used at the beginning of a ride, while on your lunch break, or after your ride.

These exercises, except for those involving dropping the stirrups, can also be done sitting in a chair or standing. All of the exercises are designed to be pain free. These are not strength exercises, they are flexibility exercises. If you aren’t flexible in a certain area, don’t force it. They will help you take note of the areas that are not flexible, and increase flexibilty.

First, Do a Body ScanSit in the saddle with your horse standing level, and feel for areas that are painful or tense. Once you’ve identified these, do the following for the afflicted part of the body. (Only do this with a horse who will stand quietly.)

Hips or Lower Back • Move the leg of the afflicted hip

forward to rest on the pommel of your saddle, then back behind the girth and see which is the most comfortable posture. Stay in that comfortable position as long as it’s

comfortable, then relax back to neutral sitting position.

• If neither is comfortable try dropping the stirrups and visualizing the leg lengthening to the ground, and beyond the ground’s surface.

Mid- and Upper-back and Shoulder • Drop your head forward, cross

your arms over your chest, curl your body around your chest and slightly rock up and down. You should be able to feel this in the upper thoracic vertebrae down into the lumbar spine.

Specific Shoulder• Hold your arm attached to the

affected shoulder up so that your forearm is bent at a 90 degree angle in front of your

eyes. Use the palm of your hand on the forearm below the elbow and compress toward the shoulder joint: the joining of the upper arm to the torso (humerus, clavicle area).

•

Neck• Lift and drop your shoulders (which

is also a nice shoulder exercise) once, then lift each independently of each other, and feel them find a new, more comfortable position. You can repeat 2-3 times. Hopefully they will feel fluffier.

• Soft, slow revolutions of the neck in both directions, slowly to the left, slowly to the right. If you hit a glitch, back up in your revolution and don’t force your neck to go through the glitch. Only take the neck where it will comfortably go.

Feet/Ankles• Drop stirrups. Do foot circles – 10-20

in each direction. Do foot flexes – up and down – 10 total.

With any of these positions, nothing should be painful; you are only taking the body in the direction of ease. These activities help the body find a place of comfort and readjustment and regain flexibility where it had little movement.

Susan Smith is an associate instructor and advanced practitioner of Ortho-Bionomy bodywork with a practice for both humans and horses in Santa Fe. She teaches workshops in Liberty horsemanship and was an endurance rider for many years. Visit her website at or contact [email protected], 505-501-2478.

Get Comfy in Your SaddleWith this Quick On-the-Trail Body Scan

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY SUSAN SMITH


Connecting Horses and Humans through the Arts of Liberty Training, Horsemanship and Dressage

Open for Summer Training!We have a few spots open and welcome you and your horse

Please visit our website or give us a call!www.fortheheartofthehorse.com

505-474-5480 26 Sundog Drive, Santa Fe, NM

1. Ghost RanchOpen Under New Management – Bring your own horse and ride with the wranglers on Ghost Ranch. The 21,000-acre property encompasses both sides of the highway, and goes to the banks of Abiquiu Lake, so many trail choices are possible. Guest horses are available for family members. Fees apply. Evening, morning, or day rides. It is located at 1708 US-84, Abiquiu, NM. Call Ghost Ranch, (505) 685-1000 for reservations.

2. Copper Canyon This is one of the most geologically diverse locations in New Mexico. Take US-84 less than 1 mile past the town of Abiquiu. There is a pull off on the right. From there ride off to the right, over the ridge to drop into the canyon.

3. Diablo CanyonFrom Relief Route 599 in Santa Fe, turn towards Aldea. Turn right on Camino La Tierra to Old Buckman Road, which is dirt. About 7 miles in, after 3 cattle guards, you will see a graveled parking lot on the left – park here for Diablo Canyon. The entrance is through the two giant basalt rock formations. Recon this in advance to make sure the road has been graded, and that passage through the basalt rock guards is passable for horses (varies depending on time of year).


1This fall, go for cool temps, and fabulous fall colors. Horse Around New Mexico suggests these five winners:

FabFall Rides

2

3

Photos by Sue Murphy

4. Ojitos BadlandsFrom ABQ, go north on I-25 to Bernalillo and turn West on US 550. Go past Zia Pueblo and about 2 miles before San Ysidro there is a well-marked gravel road (at about mile marker 20) on the west side of US 550 marking Cabezon Road. Turn left onto Cabezon Road and immediately take the left fork. Set your odometer now. It is about 11 miles to thestaging in a parking area on your left. Trailhead is on the right. Ride north about a mile to enter the hoodoo and badlands area. Ascertain if the road has been recently graded or if it's washboard all the way in.

5. Soda Springs TrailEight miles beyond the parking lot for Diablo Canyon, Soda Springs Trail begins where the road ends at the bank of the Rio Grande. Go up the hill to the south and follow the jeep trail along the rim of the Rio Grande.


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located on the NE corner of Morris & ComancheHours: M-F 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.


had always wanted to ride the Gila Wilderness, north of Silver City. But the long distance from Albuquerque

10-year-old Kentucky Mountain gelding. We departed camp at 9:30, walked and gaited down a wash towards the Gila Cliff Dwellings, crossed the West Fort of the Gila River, then passed under a metal foot bridge that leads to the Dwellings.After a few miles, we turned right on trail #28 and started up a rocky hillside. I was sad to leave the river and the cliffs. I wanted more of the breeze, sound, visuals. Not that this trail was not spectacular. At a junction we turned

west on trail #164 which topped out on a grassy length of hilltop, covered with tall Ponderosa Pines. Joel picked up the pace, started gaiting in the sandy single track.We rode for three hours, then took a lunch break and checked out Joel’s map and my GPS. I could still feel the pull of the canyon walls, and the river we had left behind. We discovered a route, a left turn onto trail #268, that would drop us down to the river just east of a formation called Hell’s Hole. The map showed that the canyon there was narrow. Joel had never ridden it before, but he was excited to try something new.

Choosing the Straight-Down Return RouteThe map also indicated the route down to the river was steep and had many switchbacks. The map didn’t lie. The switchbacks were tight, the slope of the hill steep, the trail narrow.

After about 30 minutes of switchbacks, we were happy to reach a broad shelf above the river. “The river’s still far away,” commented Joel. That mean only one thing: more downhill. This time the Gila stopped fooling around. The switchbacks became even more intense and technical – narrow, steep steps leading up to and away from hairpin switchbacks. Lance is competitive, and I had to work to keep him away from Slash’s butt, so he could see the trail. Slash and Joel were downhill pros. We got to the river without incident. Not that the ride would be incident-less….

The canyon upheld its promise. It was narrower than where we had left it, and even more magnificent. We had about 14 miles of canyon trail to get back to camp via trail #151. There were horse hoof prints along the trail, so we were pretty certain that the trail was passable back to camp.

Almost immediately, the trail was blocked by a log. There was no horse trail around it. We decided to drop into the river, and join the trail on the other side of the log.

Slipping into the Waters of the GilaThe West Fork of the Gila flows strongly, and is mostly lined with boulders. Joel and Slash crossed, then exited the river via a slab of rock. I was sure barefoot

30 Mile Ride into the Gila WildernessI(325 miles via Deming) kept me from riding there until last spring. I camped at Woody’s corral, and was lucky to ride with Joel, an experienced horseman from Arkansas. Joel had a reputation of fast riding and was aboard a handsome paint Tennessee Walker, Slash, 10 years old, in his prime. I was riding Lance, my

Story and photos by Cecilia Kayano


Lance could do it easily. When he had four hooves out of the river and planted on the rock, they all slipped out from under him. I went down on an elbow and rolled off. Lance scrambled to his feet and stood in the river.

Anyone who has had a horse fall knows the first thing you think about is the condition of your horse. Lance wasn’t upset. He wasn’t scraped or bleeding or lame. My elbow throbbed, yet I was so thankful. I led Lance along a longer, less rocky route to the trail.

We wanted to get back to camp with plenty of daylight, so we started picking up speed on the sandy parts of the trail. Slash started to do a “rack” and was flying. Lance accepted the challenge and started cantering. When the trail got rocky, we slowed to a walk. We crossed the river a few dozen times, sometimes stepping off steep river banks into boulders covered with deep, rushing water. The horses performed flawlessly.

Looking Skyward Whenever we slowed and crossed the river, we always looked up, at the jutting red spires. Sometimes the river seemed

to disappear into a solid rock wall, but when we neared, we could see it turned sharply between two walls.

We were tiring of being in the saddle, but at the same time wanted the canyon to continue. When we came upon the intersection with trail #28, we knew the canyon ended, camp was only four miles away, so it was time to celebrate! We did this by flying! The canyon opened up with meadow, cut by a sandy single track. Both Slash and Lance had stamina to spare. It was as if this was what they were built for. We ran and ran, then the horses reluctantly slowed for the final mile. We had covered 30 miles in eight hours.When I unsaddled Lance I ran fingers through his mane, checked out his legs, and looked him over. He was golden

and glistening in the evening light. A very fine animal. I was lucky to have him, lucky to have the right horse to experience the magic and meet the challenge of the Gila. ________________________________Cecilia Kayano is a writer, photographer and designer, and editor of Horse Around New Mexico. She owns two gaited horses and enjoys trail riding. She can be reached at [email protected].

Ride through stunningly gorgeous private and BLM land

Stay in a charming cabin, or a private room with bath

Bring your horse-crazy family members or friends (limit 8 people)

Enjoy home-cooked meals with all the fi xin’s

Fun, Friends & Ride, Ride, Ridein September, October 2015

Fall Riding At Starrynight Ranch, near Llaves, New Mexico

www. starrynightranch.com, 575-638-5661, 505-554-0577

Have fun with friends, horses, great food, beauti ful accommodati ons and ride, ride, ride! At Starrynight Ranch, you can bring your own horse, or use one of our gentle trail horses.

BOOK NOW! for 1 night or more...fall prices: • Your horse, $175 per night. • Our horse, $225 per night.

Includes all meals, room, guided trail rides and all the fun you can possibly stand!


Ride Three Preserves

in Northern New Mexico

he best things about

trail riding are enjoying

the endless, magnificent

New Mexico landscapes on

horseback and enjoying the

company of good friends. In

the Chama area, there are

four wildlife areas that permit

horseback riding managed by

New Mexico Game and Fish.

The best times to go are June

because it has little rainfall,

and in the fall because of the

spectaculor colors. These

Northern New Mexico

wildlife areas are remote and

have diverse scenery and

terrain, making them perfect

destinations for horseback

riding.

With 14 friends, we rode three preserves; Humphries, Sargent’s, and Rio Chama. The fourth and smallest (which we did not ride) is Rio de Los Pinos beyond Chama up near the Colorado border. It encompasses 848 acres and is open for horseback riding year-round with 1.5 miles of river bottom. Our trip was made possible by Wranglers Jeff Kennedy and Bri Cimino who provided additional horses and equipment so that spouses could participate. To simplify the logistics of

our large group, we checked ourselves into, and stabled our horses at the wonderful Quinlan Ranch in Chama. We arrived at full moon, so Jeff and Bri took us on a moonlit ride that first evening. Those that passed up this magical evening later regretted it.

Sargent'sEach wildlife area offers different terrain and riding challenges. The newest and

largest is Sargent’s--purchased in 1975, encompassing over 20,000 acres, and reaching from Chama all the way to the Colorado border. It is open year-round, but horses are restricted to the jeep roads during calving season - May 15th through June 30th. Sargent’s has vast open meadows surrounded by conifers, aspen groves, and oaks climbing up into the mountains,

Story by Susie Morgan with photos by Lisa Piasecki

T


with alder-lined streams meandering throughout. The horse staging area has three permanent pipe corrals, a porta-potty, and a circle drive around the corrals for trailer parking. The circular trailer parking is just over the hill beyond the car parking lot and had ample room for one 6-horse, two 3-horse, and one 2-horse trailer plus four cars.. We started our ride by passing through

a very narrow pedestrian iron gate. (We put a brave horse up front and every horse passed through the gate without issue.) The road soon split and gave us a choice to go through a river or cross a wide wooden bridge. We opted for the water crossing which had knee-deep rushing water.

From there, the road led up a gentle climb opening into a massive meadow with a stream on the right and mountains behind that, and mountains on the left. We rode trails and went cross country, then returned to our rigs.

Rio ChamaEstablished in 1953, the second largest and oldest northern NM wildlife area is Rio Chama located south of Chama near El Vado Lake. It was difficult to find the access gates. We were surprised to find that only one local resident that we asked had ever heard of it--that included fishermen, the local hardware store, the information center in Chama, and a hunter on his camo-quad who was out checking fence lines! So if you visit the Rio Chama Wildlife Area, you are likely to be the only ones out there. This area is open to horses Memorial Day until November 15th, The access to this wildlife area is limited to 5-ton vehicles (about 11,000 pounds). However, the 6-horse trailer navigated the road without issue. There are three access driveways on the right side of road 112, but only the third entrance has pipe corrals (no porta-potty). There is plenty of trailer parking around the corrals with a circle for pulling trailers straight through. This staging point is worth re-conning in advance with a car to make sure you know its location.

Rio Chama has very few jeep trails, and off-trail riding is permitted everywhere. The terrain is gently rolling hills in a massive sage and

chamisa forest with occasional pines and scrub oaks. To further enhance the area, NM Game and Fish is removing fields of chamisa and seeding with natural grasses. In the fall, many horses want to eat the chamisa flowers, and if you let them, your horse’s breath will smell like old socks! This wildlife area features views from the bluff above the Rio Chama River, and over four miles of riding along the banks of the El Vado reservoir. We spotted several horned toad hatchlings scurring to safety from under the horses’ feet and beautiful purple lupine in bloom. Like locoweed from the same family, this is poisonous to horses. They will normally avoid eating lupine, but keep them away from both the flowers and its green leaves.

Bill HumphriesStraddling the Continental Divide, the third wildlife area we rode was Bill Humphries. Access the trailhead at a fenced parking lot located right on Highway 64/84. Coming from the south, the parking lot is on the left just over a blind rise, so it is likely that you will blow by it with a trailer, but turning around is no problem just a couple of miles further at the turnoff to Dulce. This area is also open Memorial Day through November 15th excluding deer and elk hunting periods that begin in September.

Starting out on the jeep trail at the Humphries Preserve.

Chamisa and sage at the Rio Chama Preserve.


Humphries is about 11,000 acres of forested hills and beautiful grassy valleys. There is one old jeep road leading out from the fenced parking lot, but there is no reason to stick solely to the jeep road. The jeep trail leads up and around to the left, eventually reaching a barb wire fence forcing you to turn back. This is a full day ride.

Another full day ride takes off just before the stump that looks like a deer. You can take off up the valley to the right and create your own loop back to the trailers. On this crisp, clear afternoon, we started out on the jeep road up to the peak, and then rode through a large grassy valley and made a sharp left downhill. Hardly believing our eyes, we were startled to see two elk cows swimming in a swale! As we approached, they slipped out of the water and disappeared into the trees. When we reached the swale, hoof prints were clear, but the elk were gone.

We continued down in a circle to the left. We picked our way down a gentle cow path stepping down through one grassy valley after another. As the sun started to set, the temperature began to cool. We headed back to the trailers and back to the Quinlan Lodge where our gourmet dinner awaited us.

Not all New Mexico Wildlife Areas permit horseback riding, so investigate before you ride. The permitted dates for horseback riding vary from area to area, and are listed on the G.A.I.N. website, but its best to double check before loading up. Also, a G.A.I.N permit with a habitat sticker is required for each rider. There is a choice of a 5-day pass or an annual pass. The 5-day pass costs $10 including the habitat sticker and vendor fee for on-line purchase; the annual pass is $21. Failure to purchase a G.A.I.N. permit is a misdemeanor with fines of up to $500 per person and up to 6 months in jail. G.A.I.N. permits can be purchased online at http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/recreation/g-a-i-n/. For more information

about the wildlife areas, call 575-445-2311 or email [email protected]. Quinlan Ranch – Quinlan Ranch is situated on 17,000 private acres. They welcome personal horses and have pipe corrals wth shelters. The also have a few horses for rent. The lodge provides meals and features Chef Austin, who will provide you with three delicious meals a day included in the price of lodging. 575-209-1618 or email [email protected]

Susie Morgan is a staff writer for www.santafe.com


Grindstone LakeScenic Trail Near RuidosoARTICLE AND PHOTOS ANNETTE WOOD

When I’m in the mood for a long, scenic mountain ride in the tall ponderosa pines, I hitch up and head for Grindstone Lake Trails near Ruidoso. The 13-mile loop is fabulous! It’s only a 30-minute drive from my home in the Hondo Valley yet the topography couldn’t be more different. The event was organized on the Cloud Riders of New Mexico Facebook page. I loaded my horse in the morning at 10:30 so I could meet with the five other Cloud Riders at the Grindstone Lake parking area at 11:15. (From mid-town Ruidoso, travel up Grindstone Canyon Rd. to Resort Drive - there are signs directing you to Grindstone Lake.) We were all looking forward to the ride and being on the trail by noon. The ride to the top is along a gentle switchback that meanders up a gradual incline into the pines. The trail is well maintained and accented with beautiful displays of nature. The route plateaus at a mesa that made me think of childhood fantasies and a forest fairyland… wild mountain grasses, fern, and an assortment of colorful and fragrant flowers. As we paused in the plentiful shade of the majestic trees, we were rewarded with the sweet scent of wild flowers and pine. A wide variety of birds and other wildlife inhabit this tranquil mountain mesa. On past rides we’ve spotted elk, deer and wild turkey. After this brief but enjoyable delay, we rode three more miles across the mesa and to the picnic/rest area. By this time, both riders and equines were due for a rest. We tied up our steeds, removed their bridles and loosened their cinches before rewarding them with a couple of carrots. With the horses situated, the five

of us retrieved our lunches and cameras from the saddlebags and settled into the primitive picnic area. This vantage point offered spellbinding views not only of the forest but of Mescalero Apache Lake and the Inn of the Mountain God’s Resort. We had a wonderful time laughing, reminiscing of previous rides and discussing our next adventure. Life is good!

The cloudless New Mexico sky was brilliant, the views stunning and the conversation stimulating. We all agreed we could stay here forever but the sun’s position in the sky served as a reminder that it was time to head back down the mountain. During our descent from the mountain and with the sun nearing the horizon, we all hoped to see more wildlife as dusk is one of the primary feeding times for deer and elk. One of the bonuses of this ride is that the return route varies. We picked up the trail going the opposite direction but it eventually led back to our original starting point. As a result, we were able to enjoy a completely different perspective of the same beautiful terrain on the return ride. A cool, gentle breeze accompanied us on our ride down the mountain while

camouflaged in the trees were the deer and elk we had hoped to see. The horses knew that we were returning home and picked up the pace. All we seemed to be able to talk about was when we could meet and do this again. It seems as though we can never get enough of the incredible rides we are experiencing right here in our own back yard of New Mexico. As we approached the trailers, I gauged the level of enjoyment by the grins on our faces… we all had big grins this day! Happy trails ya’ll! The Grindstone lake trail system can be accessed from mid-Ruidoso. There is a nice parking area, upper and lower right at the lake. The trailhead is located right by the bulletin board with the large map of the trail system there. The trial we ride is called the Grindstone Loop trail.

Annette Wood is the founder and organizer of Cloud Riders. Follow their adventures on Facebook.

_______________________________


September and October provide perfect trail riding weather in New Mexico. Temperatures are cooler with hints of fall in the air, treacherous lightning and thunderstorms are behind us, and the footing is optimal.

This year, one special weekend, Sept. 19 & 20, at the Valles Caldera National Preserve has been set aside for horses and there will be no elk hunting. There is still time to make a reservation for this ride.

The Valle Grande and the Banco Bonito trails offer vastly different experiences. The Valle Grande is the highest valley in an dormant caldera – the concave geologic structure is 14 miles long and 10 miles wide, full of tall wild grasses, wildlife, and streams, and rimmed with conifers and aspen groves. Shards of shiny obsidian are easily seen in the washes. The riding is cross country for the most part.

A rider named Lisa says, “Visiting and riding through the caldera is like riding across a moon’s crater, thick with grass and trees. The sounds and scents of the trees and grasses make this one of the most special places on earth. New Mexico holds lots of treasures but this is one of the greatest!” As dry as New Mexico is, one rider last year commented that riding the Valle Grande was worth the price of admission just for all the practice of water crossings!

In contrast, Banco Bonito, near Redondo Peak, has historic old logging roads that

are used as trails--the major one being The Duke, a 9-mile loop connecting to other side trails. The old logging roads are covered in pines towering overhead and providing shade, and the cutoffs can suddenly open into small, quiet meadows.

The Valle Grande ride will be Sat., Sept. 19and allow you to ride in the largest meadow in the dormant caldera. You can camp high in the pines at Banco Bonito.

The ride for Sun. Sept. 20, will be on the Banco Bonito mountain trails. Last year, rider Page said, “Valles Caldera is important to me as horse rider because it offers the opportunity to access an incredible natural wonder on horseback a mere 30 minutes from where I live. The feeling it gives me is one of freedom and enjoyment of being in one of the remaining wild open spaces of the west. It lifts my spirits to be able to ride through the tall grasses in and around towering trees with immense vistas in all directions. I feel grateful to be able to have access to this unique and unspoiled landscape.”

The Valles Caldera, also known as the Baca Ranch, is a unique land mass of significant cultural, ecological, scientific, historical, recreational value. For many years, it has offered prime environment for wildlife, fisheries, cattle, timber farming, and elk management. It was originally deeded to the heirs of Don Luis Maria Cabeza de Vaca in 1860. It includes the Valle Grande – 6,000 acres of the 89,000 acres of the national preserve – one of only three active calderas in the US.

In 2000, the Valles Caldera Trust was formed to preserve and manage the land. Last December, the Preserve was folded into National Parks Service. As a result, the parameters of public access will most likely change, and will be known probably around the end of the year.

Dating back decades or maybe over centuries, horses have been a critical element of ranch life including cattle ranching, logging, and other ranch activities. For probably 15 years, the Banco Bonito equestrian trails have been open only on summer weekends to horsemen. For many years, special groups have been given permits to ride the Valle Grande. (Regulations for equestrians are changing. Call 866-382-5537.)

The Santa Fe Chapter of Back Country Horsemen has worked weekends each year to clear trails, manage erosion, and maintain fences. For the past six years, there have been a few dates each summer that have been open to the public for riding in the Valle Grande. Its close proximity to so many municipal populations and the Valles Caldera’s diverse terrain provide opportunities for a variety of recreational uses.

As rider Carole puts it, to be in The Grande is “a rare step into an otherworldly paradise”, or as rider Barbara says, “It is the MOST beautiful place to ride!” It’s true; no other riding destination conjures up the same feelings.

About the Rides: Riders create self-formed groups to provide the most flexibility and greatest enjoyment and safety to the day. There is no scheduled departure time or prescribed direction. This is an ideal time to gather friends and have an inspired riding weekend, or pick just one day and ride.

The charge per vehicle is $20. If you wish to camp and ride Banco Bonito on Sunday, the additional camping fee is $10. If you have a National Parks Service Pass, the $20 vehicle entrance fee is waived. At Banco Bonito, there are no corrals or facilities other than stock water and bathrooms. To make a reservation, contact Sue Murphy in Santa Fe, 505-989-1135, or [email protected] __________________________________

Join Rides in Valles Caldera

Register Now for Sept. 19 & 20 Rides

By Sue Murphy


Agua PiedraWhere it is: Near Sipapu Ski Area in Carson National Forest What it’s good for: Water crossing. Trail 19A out of the campground has so many water crossings, your horse will be an old hand by the time you reach the top. It’s a steep beautiful climb up canyon. At times you’ll be crossing a trickle of water and at times you’ll be crossing a broad rocky stream, so lots of great varied practice is available. You may also encounter cows

and calves in season. Make a note: Horse are not allowed in the campground, but there are cattle pens at the top of the campground that are usually not in use.

Red Canyon Where it is: In the Manzano Mountains WildernessWhat it’s good for: Technical riding. I used to wonder exactly what technical meant. And then I rode Red Canyon in

On-the-Trail Training in New Mexico

There’s always lots to learn about trail riding.Here are some places to learn it.

the Manzanos. Red is a narrow steep rocky canyon with lots of steps, weird turns and tricky spots. Riding Red once, I saw a green horse dangling his foot out over a step, wondering what to do next. He figured it out. So can your horse, especially if you ride the canyon with more experienced trail horses. Some people get very anxious over riding Red Canyon, but in my experience, that’s not necessary. There is plenty of Red that is easy, if steep, riding. Go slow, and go in nice weather.

ll riding is training, right? Every time you get on your horse, somebody’s training somebody, and hopefully it’s you in the driver’s seat. But some rides are more specifically about training than others, and when you’re a trail rider, there’s a lot to train for: water crossings, technical terrain of all types, various footings, condition, horse camping, packing, altitude, using a GPS and more. So here are a few ideas of locales that are good for various trail conditions you will encounter here in New Mexico.

ABy Peggy Conger

Red Canyon, located in the Manzano Mountains, offers different types of technical trail riding. The descent can look easy, but its steepness and narrow trail can cause a horse to lose focus, and drop its hind outside foot off the trail. There are also rock steps with exposure.


The rocks can get slippery in the rain. You can ride up Red (Trail 89) and down Spruce (Trail 189) using the Crest Trail 170 to reach Spruce. Good to know: Red Canyon Campground has 10 stalls in the camping area and is usually pretty deserted, even on weekends. There’s no water or hookups.There are pit toilets.

Glorieta MesaWhere it is: Southeast of Santa Fe in Santa Fe National Forest near Pecos. What it’s good for: GPS training. Glorieta Mesa is easy riding. A large open mesa, Glorieta is crisscrossed by forest roads. The beauty of it for GPS training is that few mistakes can get you into trouble up here, so you can focus your attention on figuring out your GPS.

Good to know: Horse trailers can park in the open space where Glorieta Mesa Road joins La Joya Road near Pecos. (The last quarter mile of La Jolla Road to the intersection of Glorieta Mesa Road is a little rough and steep, but we made it with both a bumper pull and gooseneck trailer. Park after you turn onto Glorieta Mesa Road.) For more advanced GPS training: Hopewell Lake’s a good place. There are two horse camping sites in the Hopewell Lake Campground. Out of camp, there are several trails that quickly give out to open country. This is a beautiful place to ride in the fall.

Albuquerque Open Space -- Between Carnuel and TramwayWhere it is: Behind Triple

Threat Feed on Rte. 66 near CarnuelWhat it’s good for: Conditioning, especially in winter and spring. Several experienced riders I know like to train or tune up their horses here. The deep sandy arroyo runs between rock walls and climbs up to several rocky vantage points over Albuquerque and the base. The climb is deceptively steep even at the start of the ride, and the sand footing has horses working hard from the get-go. If you’re lucky: You might have a friend with access to ride in Navajo checkerboard country around Gallup. Horseman John Mayer uses the broad mesas and steep ridges of this country to condition his three Spanish Barbs. “There are really steep cattle trails, meadows, deep arroyos, and ridges, so a lot of variety to ride,” he says. There are also long-abandoned cabins and hogans, so the whole country has a sense of history, he says. The “checkerboard” refers to the complicated complex of leased land, owned land and public land here. Don’t trespass on private land -- and you may have a tough time determining public from private.

Fort Stanton National Conservation AreaWhere it is: Lincoln National Forest near Lincoln, NMWhat it’s good for: If you are new to horse camping, Fort Stanton is a great place to try things out. The Rob Jaggers camping area has water, electric hookups in eight sites, a dump station and corrals. But since this is BLM land, you can set up camp just about anywhere as long as you stay within 100 feet of the road. There are 93 miles of well-marked trails

here, making Fort Stanton is a popular riding and horse camping destination. Plus for newbies: Your cell phone should work here so if you need help -- or advice -- it’s just a call away.

Latir Peak WindernessWhere it is: Carson National Forest northeast of Questa What it’s good for: High altitude riding. Matt Coulombe, president of New Mexico Mounted Search and Rescue, is, little surprise, an avid back country rider. He recommends the ride between Cabresto Lake and Heart Lake for getting yourself and your horse some experience in high altitude riding. You will be riding at between 9,000 and 11,500 feet between the two lakes. Remember, horses can suffer from altitude sickness, so bring only well-conditioned horses to attempt high altitude rides.Good to know: Trailers cannot get all the way in to Cabresto Lake. You will have to park at the intersection of Forest Roads 134 and 134A or set up camp at the corral 50 yards past the intersection.

Oak FlatsWhere it is: Between NM 337 and NM 217 in Cibola National Forest south of I-40What it’s good for: Coulombe uses this flat, wooded area crossed with riding trails for training pack horses. You might think you just throw a pack saddle and some packs on any horse and go, but Coulombe says it’s not that simple: A few training runs are a good idea to accustom a horse to carrying a pack. “All the rigging, the saddle, and the packs making noise rubbing or catching on trees, create a sensory experience the horse has to get through,” he says. Oak Flats is also a good training ground because many

Instead of spending huge money displaying at this year’s New Mexico State Fair, Sandia Trailer Sales will be passing those savings to you. Every trailer on our lot will be discounted for the duration of the fair.

1435 Route 66 [email protected] (505) 281-9860 Edgewood, NM www.sandiatrailer.com (800) 832-0603

ON THE TRAILEdwin Tafoya, Jared Aguilar and Jeff Tafoya at a hunters cabin in the Latir Wilderness. The Tafoya family and others have cared for the cabin for decades, keeping it in good repair and rodent-free for hunters to use during hunting seasons, and hikers and riders to use in emergencies. The party camped with their horses near the cabin hunting Big Horn Sheep in August.

The Latir Peak Wilderness offers high elevation riding. Most of the trails start at 9,000 feet and some can go above 12,000. Make sure your horse is in good condition before attempting a high-elevation ride. Also, start out with short rides or even an initial day or two of rest to acclimate your horse to the elevation.


of the trails are narrow, which helps keeps the trainee behind the lead horse. “You know, when you’re just ponying a horse, they may be up alongside you,” Coulombe says. “But that doesn’t work with packs.” Word to the wise: Coulombe says be sure to make your first few pack trips with a more experienced packer. “You always have some sort of a wreck,” he says. “It helps to have someone who really knows what they’re doing.” Bring along an outrider or two: “It’s great to have someone who can take the pack line when you need to take care of something.”

Horse Around NM staff writer Peggy Conger is a writer, editor, blogger and trail rider.

She rides a mustang she adopted five years ago. She can be reached at [email protected].


Great Gear

For Trail RidersBy Vikki Chavez

Cooling Wear: Beat the heat like the professionals! Cooling vests and ties can keep you significantly cooler in the dead heat of summer. Be comfortable doing barn chores and riding, or keep one handy in your trailer tack room. Soak for about 3 to 5 minutes, gently press excess water out and go! There are cooling products for your horse, too. A neck wrap or poll cooling product can bring instant comfort to an overheated horse. Be safe by staying cool!

Thinline Girth: Lightweight, easy to clean, well made and long lasting; what’s not to love! Treat your horse to a cool, comfortable and chafe-free ride, mile after mile. Western or English, there is an option for your saddle. Your horse will thank you.

Halter Bridle Combo: Zilco and Biothane are top picks for today’s trail rider. The product is strong, durable, easy to clean (dip in water), fade and crack resistant and ultra-lightweight comfort for your horse. No more taking the halter off while putting the bridle on amidst ongoing activity or on location at your horse trailer. Just snap your bit on and go, or snap bit off and tie up, load, or lead. Easy, safe, fast and comfortable!

Dog Tag With Silencer: If your horse runs off, how will you ever reconnect? A military style dog tag with silencer split ring attached to the halter portion of your combo bridle adds permanent ID no matter what you are doing with your horse. List your name, barn address, multiple contact numbers, your horse’s name and an email address to increase the chances of your horse getting home to you safely. It is a small, lightweight, easy and inexpensive way to protect your equine friend.

Clip On Reins: You can make just about any pair of reins clip on reins. They are easy to put on and take off, and can be quickly doubled up to make a lead rope option in an emergency situation. Plus, if you ever need to get a rein off fast, it is safer and easier to unclip than unbuckle or unscrew.

Shatterproof Sunglasses: Rock chip and fall resistant, many active gear sunglasses come with interchangeable clear lenses for night riding or glare resistant snow riding eye protection lenses. Most come with a clip on case so you can keep your eyes safe in all terrains and circumstances. Don’t wait for a branch in the eye or a dust storm. Gear up!


Helmet Liners: No sweat! Disposable helmet liners keep you cool, dry and comfortable. No more steaming sunglasses or sweat running into your eyes. They also help prevent forehead breakout, and keep that expensive helmet fresh and ready to wear.

Riding Fly Mask: Protect your horse’s eyes for a comfortable ride. The riding masks are lightweight, cool and easy to see out of. They are helpful in full sun to add protection to bald face, blue eyed or pink-skinned horses. Choose from full ear, long nose, or standard; whatever will keep your horse the most comfortable.

Cellphone Carrier: Pockets are a great place to land; not good for smart phones. Keep your cellphone safe and where you need it most -- on you, and not shattered. A leg wrap phone holder allows for easy access in most all situations, and is less likely to get smashed in an unexpected removal from your horse. If you are injured, you will need your phone in reach. The new cell holders are big enough for the larger style smartphones. If you need it, you will be glad you have it on you and in one piece.

Extra Wide Stirrups: I was not a fan of these until I rode in them. What a difference! They really do take the pressure off knee and hip joints, as well as provide more security in the saddle over varied terrain.

Equine Microchip: According to the AVMA, dogs without microchips were returned to their owners 21.9% of the time, whereas microchipped dogs were

returned to their owners 52.2% of the time. A microchip may not be the first line of defense in lost equines – yet - it does prove that you are the owner. That alone is worth the cost of a chip. A chip should be used in combination with a halter or bridle ID tag to ensure your horse gets home. In the case of a natural disaster, rescue organizations will check loose horses for microchips. Register your chip, and keep contact information current. All of my horses are microchipped for the extra peace of mind it brings.

The cooler weather is finally here. Get out and take advantage of all the fabulous fall riding opportunities in this beautiful Land of Enchantment. See you on the trail!

Vikki Chavez writes for multiple horse, dog and health-related venues, runs a toy breed senior dog rescue, owns two horses, and enjoys trail riding and dressage.


Rider's FavoritesTried & True On-The-Trail

Tack & Tips

New Mexico cowgirls are a smart, resourceful bunch. Ask us what we use on the trail to make our rides safer, more comfortable, even more attractive. Horse Around New Mexico did just that, and here's what we found out:

Joanna Kramer from Albuquerque was searching for the perfect pommel bag and found it! She wanted something that was low-profile, but kept her phone, and emergency gear zipped up and close-at-hand. She uses

this pommel bag by Stowaway. "I went through several searching for the right one. This one has lot of compartments. I also have the matching cantle bag."

Colleen Novotany from Estancia was on a group weekend ride at Taos Horse Getaways, when she had some down time. Being the "on task" person that she is, Colleen whipped out some saddle soap and an electric toothbrush and started

cleaning a saddle. Before she knew it, Shannon Cobb, Anna Bowser and Leaiha Atchinson had brought out their saddles and joined her. The electric toothbrush gets the saddle soap and conditioner deep into the leather, and saves elbow grease.

Mary Sandstrom from Los Alamos says her favorite piece of trail tack are her bucking rolls. Her farrier actually took them off his saddle and gave them to her when he heard her story. Mary was having trouble with a horse that kept bolting, causing her to fall off. "Every time my farrier would come to shoe, I was all bunged up, so he said, 'Try these.'" Mary says she has not fallen off since attaching the bucking rolls.

Besty Walker from Eldorado put together a cactus removal kit consisting of a large pair of tweezers, forceps and a comb. The comb idea came from her

friend Barbara Hanson. "Surprisingly, I use the comb the most. I've found they are great for removing cholla needle bundles. One quick swipe usually does the trick. I've also found that my dog has needed the kit more than my horse!"

Peggy Conger from Estancia likes her twisted stirrups. She says they make riding comfortable for her knees and ankles. When she mounts her mustang Joey, they are right there, pointed forward. And when she happens to lose a stirrup, her foot doesn't need to search for it. "It's like the stirrups attach themselves to your boot!"

Marie Anthony from Pecos camps out a lot, and does not like spending time doing anything else but riding. She has a weekender trailer, with a sink but no hot water. She uses solar energy to heat up water to wash her silverware. "I just put the dirty silverware in a plastic bag with some detergent, and leave it on the hood of my truck while I go out for a ride. When I come back, the water is hot and the food is falling off the forks and spoons, so I can wipe and rinse, and go for an evening ride!"


Join us for Cowboy ChurCh

Sundays at 11am 15600 Central Ave. SE Albuquerque

fullgospelcowboy.org

(505) 206-7430Pastor Vince Bevill

www.fullgospelCowboy.org

Riding for HIS brand

July/August 2015 33 www.horsearoundnm.com |

Looking for or selling aproperty? Call a specialist whoknows horses, ranches and what

a horse person wants.Roni Merbler505/259-9704

Enchanted HomesRealty,

Albuquerque505/944-2490

Clothes that live up to your lifestyle

Tues. - Sat. 10-6 7 Caliente Rd. B5, Santa Fe 505.466.1059

EVENTS: SEPT.& OCT.....................................

Date Event Details Where When

SEPTEMBER9/4-9/7 FALL FUTURITY Southwest Quarter Horse Association

Evely Huff575-551-2245

Las Cruces 9/4-9/7

9/5 DESPOOKING CLINIC With APD Mounted Unit Trainer Larry Smyth4 Winds Equestrian Centerwww.4windsequestriancenter.com505-507-0424

4 Winds Equestrian Center,Estancia

9/5

9/5, 9/12, 9/19

LIBERTY SERIES - IMMEDIATE AND ADVANCED

For the Heart of the Horse Sanctuarywww.fortheheartofthehorse.com505-660-8933

For the Heart of the Horse Sanctuary,Santa Fe

9/5, 9/12, 9/19

9/9 PRE-FAIR FUN SHOW: HORSES HELPING PEOPLE

www.exponm.com Expo New Mexico,Albuquerque

9/9

9/10-9/20

NEW MEXICO STATE FAIR www.exponm.com Expo New Mexico,Albuquerque

9/10-9/20

9/12 BODY AWARENESS CLINC Better Riding with Pilates4 Winds Equestrian Centerwww.4windsequestriancenter.com505-507-0424


9/12

9/12-13 BALANCING YOU & YOUR HORSE

Arrowhead RanchLynn Cliffordwww.lynnclifford.com505-231-5353

Arrowhead Ranch,Santa Fe

9/12-13

9/17-20 FOX DEN RETREAT Back Country HorsemenCamp of the Tall Pineswww.bchnm.org505-261-4667

Mayhill,Otero County

9/17-20

9/19 TENETS OF EQUINE HEALING

Arrowhead RanchSusan [email protected]

Arrowhead Ranch,Santa Fe

9/19

9/19 NMDA SCHOOLING SHOW New Mexico Dressage AssociationBosque Farms Rodeo Arenawww.nmdressage.net505-877-9449

Bosque Farms Rodeo Arena,Bosque Farms

9/19

9/19-21 HORSEMANSHIP CLINICFOUNDATION & ADVANCED CLASSES

Lee Smithwww.4windsequestriancenter.com505-507-0424


9/19-21

9/26-27 CHOKECHERRY CANYON TRAIL RIDE

North American Trail Ride Conference - Region 3www.natrc3.org505-215-2625

Farmington 9/26-27

9/27 PUMPKIN ROLLER RIOT MOUNTED GAMES

Corrales Harvest Festival, Top Form [email protected]

Top Form Arena,Corrales

9/27

OCTOBERDate Event Details Where When10/3-4 FIRST IMPRESSION RODEO

CLUB YOUTH RODEOSDennison Parkwww.firc.bravesites.com

Dennison Park,Albuquerque

10/3-4

10/3-4 CHILI ROAST ONE-DAY SHOW SERIES

Arabian Horse Association of New Mexicowwwnmarab.com, Faith Turner 505-832-6823

Albuquerque 10/3-4

10/9-11 FALL FESTIVAL SHOW New Mexico Hunter Jumper Associationwww.nmhja.org, [email protected]

Expo New Mexico,Albuqurque

10/9-11

10/31-11/1

HARVEST FLING New Mexico Dressagewww.nmds.us, Donald Simpson 505-554-9493

Expo New Mexico,Albuquerque

10/31-11/1

EVENTS: SEPT.& OCT.

New Mexico is one of the very few lucky states to have an Extreme Trail Course. It's located at Barbara Windom’s La Estancia Alegre Peruvian horse farm in Alcalde, just north of Espanola. There are only nine Bolender Extreme Trail Courses in the world including two in Canada and one in Germany.

The architect of these courses is Mark Bolender, three-time Extreme Trail Riding national champion, and creator of the exciting new competition events: Mountain Trail, Extreme Mountain Trail and Competitive Trail.

Mark uses the natural environment to build his courses, which means that each course is unique. The New Mexico course is built right on the banks of the Rio Grande. When the river is not flowing too high, the last test of this clinic includes a group stroll through the river.

It really doesn’t matter what kind

YOUR CLINICSTORYPractice Extreme Trail Riding, Then Hit the Trails

BY LINDA STRONG

of horse or how much training a horse has. The Bolender Extreme Trail Clinic will challenge their minds and build self-confidence. Even the most seasoned riders are surprised by the range of obstacles, and even more surprised to find out, with the right guidance, most horses can calmly get through the obstacles.

Obstacles include, among other things, a suspension bridge, a very high trestle bridge, a wooden bridge that rolls forward when the horse steps up on it, teeter totter, 5’ deep trench, and then there is the water….

The entrance into the water is somewhat steep and that creates as much

reservation in the horse as the water itself. The pond has a large boulder where riders must dismount, walk their horse around the boulder and remount. The goal is to make it through the exercise without the rider getting wet. The task is almost always accomplished, but there are exceptions.

There are low narrow bridges over a stream, and dirt stream crossings which actually seem to give horses more trouble as many horses decide leaping is the best option.

Most riders are very anxious to ride across the teeter totter. The horse steps up and starts across only to have the teeter crash down to earth in front of the horse. As it turns out, this is typically one of the easier obstacles for the horse.

Carole Berger participated in the clinic and said, “I wanted to participate in the Extreme Trail Clinic because I wanted to see what my young horse was capable of doing. It was a real eye-opener. The best take away for me was that my horse gained confidence performing tasks I never would have thought possible. In fact, it established a mutual trust between horse and rider.”

I felt the same about my mare. The clinic was the beginning of me asking my 14-year-old mare to step up and become braver. Having ridden her for years, I had accepted her occasional chicken heart ...until she finished the clinic. Now I know she is capable of so much more!

.


IdentificationThere are many ways to identify a horse. Temporary ways include halter tags, braid-in name tags, or neck collars. Permanent ways include documentation of markings, microchipping, iris scanning, branding, and lip tattoos. Breed associations may also use DNA typing with registration papers as a way to identify individuals.

Natural IdentificationNatural ways of identifying a horse are often used for paperwork that accompanies that horse. This information includes breed, color, sex, age, markings, and hair whorl patterns. This information has the advantage of being permanent, but the disadvantage is that it requires paper documentation to be useful.

A horse’s irises are aunique. A company called eyeD has developed digital technology to scan irises as a form of identification. These eye scans are stored in their database. Remote storage is a great idea, but the cost and availability of scanners is a disadvantage.

BrandsBranding is a permanent method of identification. A freeze brand results in white hair, and a hot brand results in a lack of hair in the area of the brand. Alpha angle freeze brands also contain information about the horse, such as the breed, the year of birth, and a number which can be used to look up information about the horse.

Lip TattoosAll horses that race in either the thoroughbred or the quarter horse industries have a permanent lip tattoo. There is information inherent in the marking. In Thoroughbreds, the tattoo begins with a letter that designates the year the horse was born. For example, the letter D designates the year 2000, the letter E 2001, and so forth. After reaching the end of the alphabet, the Jockey Club begins again with the letter A. The American Quarter Horse Association requires a horse to be genotyped and parentage verified before it can be tattooed.

MicrochippingAn RFID microchip implanted in a horse (typically in the nuchal ligament of the neck) is a method of permanent identification. The National Animal Identification System accepts a specific type of microchip, although many

are available. Disadvantages are that if a person doesn’t have a reader (for example, your neighbor, if your horses happen to get out), they cannot trace the horse.

Tags and CollarsBraid-in name tags have recently gained popularity for horses traveling to trail rides or shows. These are inexpensive and safe to attach to your horse. They have to be re-braided regularly, though.

Neck collars come in both plastic and leather forms. The leather form is much safer, as the leather is thin and will break away under stress. Collars can be worn at all times, and are also handy to catch a horse or lead one a short distance. They can be engraved with the horse’s name and your phone number on a plate so anyone who finds the horse has your information. Disadvantages of tags and collars are that the horse can get separated from the tag.

To own a horse in New Mexico, you need legal documentation that proves ownership, health, and compliance with New Mexico equine travel laws. You also need a reliable way your horse can be identified, if he is ever loose or lost, or you are unfortunate enough to have a horse stolen. Here, Stacie Boswell, DVM, outlines how to properly document your horse.

By Stacie G. Boswell, DVM, DACVS


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Documentation for TravelBe aware that being able to identify a horse does not serve as proof of ownership. New Mexico is a brand inspection state, which means there are only two ways to legally prove ownership of a horse: An official brand that is registered with the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB) or the “1-H form” (often called the “permanent hauling card”), which can take the place of a brand. Features such as markings, unregistered brands, scars, and tattoos are considered “distinguishing marks” and are recorded on the 1-H.

In order to cross brand inspection districts in New Mexico, you need proof of ownership New Mexico State Police and NMLB officers have the authority to inspect livestock and horses at traffic stops. If you’re not in compliance, you could be cited and required to immediately return home.

A health certificate, or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), is required for crossing state lines, and may be required at shows or events. A federally accredited veterinarian is needed to fill this form out. The horse must have a physical examination within 3 days of filling out the form. For many states, horses originating from New

Mexico must have a specific statement on their CVI regarding the absence of signs of Vesicular Stomatitis. Typically, a CVI is considered valid for 30 days.

The NMLB website (nmlbonline.com) has excellent resources outlining requirements for horses traveling into, out of, and within the state under “Import/Export/Exhibition of Livestock.” Be aware that the NMLB can impose additional restrictions on movement in the event of a disease outbreak.

Bottom LineThe purpose of travel documentation and health-related travel regulations for horses is to control the potential spread of infectious diseases. Meeting the legal requirements and respecting these regulations ensures you are doing your part in protecting the health of your own horses as well as those where you travel.

Once you have all your paperwork in order, make a copy of everything. One copy should stay at home while the other copy travels with you and your horse. _____________________________By Stacie G Boswell, DVM, DACVSDr. Boswell is an equine veterinarian at Western Trails Veterinary Hospital in Edgewood, NM. She is an active member of Back Country Horsemen and often trail rides and camps with her husband and friends. Contact her at [email protected] www.westerntrailsvet.com

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